Compostela Valley province 1st district Rep. Maricar Zamora on Saturday expressed optimism that the province finally gets to realize its wish of assuming a new name: Davao de Oro.
“It is just matter of time before it is realized because there is nothing controversial with it,” Zamora told reporters at the closing ceremonies of the provincial chapter congress of the Lady Local Legislators’ League at the Apo View Hotel.
She said a proposed measure to appropriate P1.5 Million is now on 2nd reading at the House of Representative to fund the holding of province-wide plebiscite.
The plebiscite, held to determine whether or not the population approves of the change of name, is a requirement before it is approved.
Zamora said the change of name is necessary for several reasons. First, Compostela Valley province is the only province in the Davao region that is not named Davao.
Second, there is continuing confusion in identifying where Compostela Valley province is located. “Others say we are a part of Cebu while others say we are a part of Cagayan province in Northern Luzon,” she said.
“Of course a compelling reason is that we want to take advantage of the positive publicity that the Davao Region is getting especially since our President Duterte comes from this region,” she said.
Zamora is credited for initiating the formation of the Local Lady Legislators’ League provincial chapter in 2008, considered the most active in the region.
She said the congress was established as a venue for women legislators to get more specific and specialized inputs outside of those they get to encounter in their official functions.
This year’s congress was organized by Sanguniang Panlalawigan member Vivencia ‘Vinsay’ L. Secuya in her capacity as 4L chairperson of the Compostela Valley chapter.
“The Congress sought to provide an opportunity for the 4L members to showcase their knowledge and skills while at the same strengthening their friendship and camaraderie,” she said.
The congress invited experts and speakers who discussed beauty, grace and essence of a lady legislator, revenue-generating powers of the barangay, as well as the features of a lady legislator (A sound mind and sound body).
The highlight of the congress was the selection of a Mutya with 33-year old Michelle Lim, a barangay kagawad of Mainit, Maco the run-away winner.
Interestingly, it was her answer on why Compostela Valley should be renamed Davao de Oro that clinched the win.
Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of the 2nd district, praised the organizers for this year’s congress, saying it provided a rare opportunity for all 4L members to bond together.
